NCRPO resumes ‘Oplan Katok’

ALTHOUGH the election gun ban has been lifted, the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) has resumed its “Oplan Katok” campaign to account for some 200,000 licensed firearms in the metropolis.

NCRPO Director Leonardo Espina said he has directed the five police district directors under him to start the inventory of gun licenses issued within their jurisdiction as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) continuing operation against loose firearms and gunrunning syndicates.

From January 13 to June 12, the NCRPO has confiscated 392 firearms, 24 explosives, and 363 deadly weapons and arrested 780 violators of the poll body gun ban.

Espina said gun holders with Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) are now allowed to bring their guns outside their residences.

Based on NCRPO’s data, there are a total of 201,090 expired firearm licenses in Metro Manila that have not been renewed.

According to Espina, only 4,324 licenses have been so far renewed, with the rest still unaccounted for since “Oplan Katok” was implemented on December 31, 2012.

The campaign involves policemen doing house visitation to registered gun holders, reminding them to renew or register their firearms or else these will be considered loose firearms.

“I’m encouraging all district directors not to tire on knocking on the doors of gun owners and continue police operations to account for loose firearms. This is not just for the benefit of the PNP organization but also for the safety and security of the public,” Espina said.

He further said that if all firearms are registered, gun owners will be taught on gun safety.

”They will become more responsible and we avoid unnecessary gun-related crimes and incidents,” the NCRPO chief added.

He also called on the gun holders to renew or register their firearms licenses and PTCFOR with the Firearms and Explosives Division to avoid penalty and criminal prosecution for illegal possession of firearms.